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Post by zouppy on Apr 14, 2014 17:02:04 GMT
Used this forum to gather info for build of modular oven. Opted for Woodfire Gourmet 800 oven. They sent through some reasonable plans which I have adapted for my situation. Building on the corner of a small town garden. Oven going in a corner which means the base is bigger than otherwise might be but also provides some useful space around it for 'stuff'. Work commenced a week ago with digging foundation. Removed some paving and found some old pavers beneath. Poured 20cm of concrete with some 6mm rebar.   |
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Post by zouppy on Apr 14, 2014 17:08:48 GMT
Day 2 and we have begun to build the base from concrete blocks. Plan is to render at the end so no need to be too precise. Still working through the options for the platform. Want to introduce some extra insulation with vermicrete but without spending days mixing! Think we will go for some concrete lintels then blocks on their sides for strength on top. Followed by a layer of vermicrete. Go to play around with the heights to get it to work and the whole thing to 1100mm. BTW I am a building novice and working with Richard who knows lots more than me!  |
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Post by zouppy on Apr 15, 2014 17:54:44 GMT
Busy day today. Base complete apart from final layer of vermicrete. Have created the plinth with concrete blocks with a brick edge to contain the vermicrete. Means the vermicrete will be about 80mm deep - might have liked a wee bit more but WTH. Building in the corner with a flat front has created some funny angles and therefore a lot of block cutting. Ears ringing from angle grinder but worth the effort to create a more interesting shape and fit the space. Day off tomorrow with vermiculite hopefully ready Thursday.  |
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Post by docfester on Apr 16, 2014 11:51:17 GMT
Looks mighty fine there zoup, a good substantial base. Seems we were working at the same time with the same type of build last week, spooky. ukwoodfiredovenforum.proboards.com/thread/1798/pompeii-wiltshire Thanks for confirming the base height thats required of 1100mm, just what I need for the Easter build. Will be following with interest and shamelessly nicking ideas if I may  . I'm intending to use Thermolite blocks on the flat for the insulation layer and leave the devils porridge for the dome! Cheers Pete |
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Post by zouppy on Apr 16, 2014 13:25:50 GMT
Spookily similar design. Mine is a little larger - 180cm square before removing the corner. May be a bit too big but need to get into some tight spots at the back to insulate and render. I thought about using thermolite blocks but too late having already had concrete delivered so decided to go ahead with vermicrete (vermiculate arrived today) on a bed of blocks. You can probably see the layers we used to arrive at 1100cm height but let me know if not.
Away over easter so will commence the oven next week earliest.
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Post by zouppy on Apr 17, 2014 16:57:03 GMT
Poured the vermicrete in the top layer today. Travis Perkins supplied (at a price!) and I mixed according to the manufacturers guidelines (1 100l bag of vermiculite to a bag of cement) . Cement mixer did a good job although you need to be careful when judging the correct amount of water as it sinks to the bottom and it is easy to get it too we. Applied and tamped down without over compressing and reducing insulating properties. Not as hard as I had expected reading all the comments on this forum. Overall a productive week which sees the end to the really noisy/dusty cutting of blocks and yomping concrete. Few days off now before introducing the oven proper. Happy easter.  |
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Post by zouppy on Apr 28, 2014 13:38:25 GMT
Since the last post we have made good the slabs around the base and put up the modular oven. Used the prescribed mix of sand and fire clay for the base. Decided to let this go off before putting the dome up as the weight of the dome is considerable and the hearth would have moved. Pieces of dome are very heavy - certainly a 2 man job. Happy with how it is shaping up.
A few days pause as I have just ordered tiles and want to lay them before the insulation layers to get best finish.
Would like to have shared a photo or 2 but the site won't allow it despite file being on smallest setting (600kb). Sorry.
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Post by cannyfradock on Apr 29, 2014 16:19:32 GMT
Zouppy
Lovely job on your base and support walls.
Apologies for the probs with uploading images.....I'm trying to sort it out with our support team. If you use photobucket you can copy and paste the IMG code directly onto the forum.
Terry
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Post by zouppy on Apr 29, 2014 21:32:41 GMT
 Technology working again. The hearth. With the dome added. Decided to wait until tiles for the top to arrive before adding insulation - that way I reduce the amount of tile cutting (had enough angle grinding to last me a while.) Expecting tiles Friday although may not get to laying until following week. Flue arrived - 1m, stainless, double skinned from fluefactory. Serious bit of kit! Attachments:
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Post by zouppy on May 2, 2014 14:08:05 GMT
Minor set back today. Neglected to cover the oven during heavy downpour yesterday which has washed away some of the fire clay despite it being 4 days old and set hard. Had not really appreciated that the whole oven (both fireclay and oven itself) is a bit fragile until sealed in its insulation blanket, vermicrete and waterproof render. Should have been obvious.
Anyway, have done some pointing to make good the damage. The oven had been under a tarpaulin up until that point so hoping that a single dose of water won't have introduced too much moisture. The whole thing now covered with umbrella so air can circulate and begin drying process.
Tiles delivered today and as expected. Tiling begins Monday whereupon hoping we can romp through insulation.
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Post by cannyfradock on May 2, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
Zouppy
Every modular oven manufacturer/supplier uses a different system to others (powdered fire cement, ready made fire-cement, fire-mastic etc.) Some advise to seal the segments together from below and above.....others say to leave the joint free. If you have concerns about water penetration on your jointing compound then give your supplier a call. They will know best what to do.....if anything.
Great progress btw.
Terry
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Post by zouppy on May 2, 2014 22:39:08 GMT
Zouppy Every modular oven manufacturer/supplier uses a different system to others (powdered fire cement, ready made fire-cement, fire-mastic etc.) Some advise to seal the segments together from below and above.....others say to leave the joint free. If you have concerns about water penetration on your jointing compound then give your supplier a call. They will know best what to do.....if anything. Great progress btw. Terry TBF I emailed the supplier as soon as I had the mishap and the guys from woodfiregourmet replied quickly and helpfully as ever. Their conclusion was that no long term damage was done. They have been responsive and constructive throughout. Thx for the kind words. Z |
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Post by zouppy on May 5, 2014 13:42:54 GMT
Laid tiles for top today. Used a very rustic clay terra cotta tile. Not strictly for outdoor use due to frost risk but going to seal and have laid them with a run so there should be no standing water. Also frosts not overly harsh in sheltered London. Time will tell. Found the tiles on line at www.wallsandfloors.co.uk. Great service and much cheaper than specialist tiles shops. Laying involved laying a dry screed then a sprinkling of cement on top. Damp the whole lot then lay the tile on top having soaked it for 10 minutes or so in water before hand. Have a feeling it is going to be very durable. Intend to allow to dry out before applying linseed oil then grout after that.  |
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Post by albacore on May 10, 2014 15:53:59 GMT
Great minds think alike. That's where mine came from! Have you got any birds' footprints in yours?
Lance
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Post by zouppy on May 12, 2014 17:57:44 GMT
Some progress. Tiles grouted (no bird prints). Ceramic blanket and chicken wire applied. (Note 4.5m roll was perfect size.) Now applying vermicrete - I take it back, the stuff is a nightmare. Concluded that the best way to apply it is to build it up in layers allowing some drying time in between. Gonna need another bag of vermiculite as it does not go far and the outside area is big! Determined to have a big push this week so I can start curing fires next weekend. Would be helpful to have a break from the showers.  |
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